José Pérez

José Pérez was born in Panama City and grew up in the province of Coclé in the small town of El Valle de Anton; a picturesque village located in the caldera of the world's second largest volcano. From a young age he felt a deep affinity for nature, joining his grandfather and father for long walks to their farm where they would identify plants, insects, and animals.

 

José finished secondary education in the IPT El Valle where he obtained his Bachelor of Accounting, but his interest in traveling and love of nature led him to start a career in tourism. José has 16 years of experience as a tour guide, working for five years at Canopy Tower as birding guide. He then started his career as a freelance guide leading groups in different protected areas throughout Panama and Costa Rica, working with several tour operators: including local and international companies such as Lindblad & National Geographic Expeditions. Besides being an expert birdwatcher, he has an extensive knowledge of Panama Canal history, is an experienced certified diver working with Panama Marine Adventure for almost five years.